Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin
Standing on high ground in the oldest part of Dublin, Christ Church Cathedral is one of the city's finest historic buildings. Part of the Anglican Church of Ireland, the cathedral is the mother church for the diocese of Dublin and Glendalough. It is one of two Protestant cathedrals in Dublin; the other being St. Patrick's Cathedral, just to the south.
History
The first Christianized Danish king, Sitric, built a wooden church at this site in 1038. In 1171 the original simple foundation was extended into a cruciform and rebuilt in stone by Strongbow, a Norman baron and conqueror of Dublin for the English crown.
The present structure dates mainly from the 1870s, when a major restoration took place, making the cathedral look more Victorian than Anglo-Norman.
It was in this period that one of Dublin's most charming structures was added: a Bridge of Sighs-like affair that connects the cathedral to the old Synod Hall, which now holds the Viking multi-media exhibition "Dublinia."
What to See
Highlights of the interior include magnificent stonework and graceful pointed arches, with delicately chiseled supporting columns.
Remains from the 12th-century building include the north wall of the nave, the west bay of the choir, and the fine stonework of the transepts, with their pointed arches and supporting columns. Strongbow is buried in the cathedral beneath an impressive effigy.
The vast, sturdy crypt, with its 12th- and 13th-century vaults, is Dublin's oldest surviving structure and the building's most notable feature.
The Treasures of Christ Church exhibition in the crypt includes manuscripts, various historic artifacts, and the tabernacle used when James II worshipped here.
Quick Facts
| Names: | Christ Church Cathedral Dublin; Cathedral of the Holy Trinity |
| Type of site: | Protestant cathedral (Church of Ireland) |
| Dates: | Founded 1038; present cathedral 1870s; crypt 12-13C |
| Records: | The crypt is Dublin's oldest structure |
| Location: | Christ Church P. and Winetavern St., Dublin 8 |
| Website: | http://www.cccdub.ie/ |
| Phone: | 01/677-8099 |
| Hours: | Daily 10am-5:30pm. Closed Dec 26. |
| Evensong: | 6 PM on Wednesday and Thursday |
| Cost: | Free. Suggested donation €5 adults, €2.50 students and children |
| Bus: | 21A, 50, 50A, 78, 78A, or 78B |
Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Dublin Map or get our free Google Earth download.
Sources
- Personal visit (August 26, 2007).
- Frommer's Ireland 2005
- Fodor's Ireland 2005
- Christ Church Cathedral Dublin – Official Website
